House rescuer in Pasewalk: 250-year-old ruin is being revived!

House rescuer in Pasewalk: 250-year-old ruin is being revived!

Pasewalk is a living example of the commitment of enthusiasts who are committed to preserving historic buildings. Carmen and Sebastian Kelichhaus, a couple from Western Pomerania, have been committed to renovating old houses for two decades and have already brought five ruins back to life during this time. Their most recent project, a listed house at Grünstrasse 17 that is more than 250 years old, is the focus of their efforts. The renovation work, which began in September 2024, is of great importance for the city and the preservation of its history.

The building in question was built around 1740 and is said to have initially served as the cuirassiers of Frederick II of Prussia. Over the years, the house has had an eventful history: it served as a carpentry workshop for a time, but fell into disrepair in the 1970s and was empty from 1990 onwards. A partial fire in 2007 further damaged the building.

A house with history

The Kelichhaus impressively demonstrate how much passion goes into the restoration. During the demolition work, original stove bells were found in the chimney, while a brick with a dog's paw print caused a surprise. The historical charm is preserved: while modern kitchens are installed, old fireplaces are retained as decoration. The building, which previously only had a rudimentary foundation made of field stones, was almost completely gutted and restored to its shell condition. At least 80 percent of the house is now closer to being renovated.

The renovation costs are estimated at over 1 million euros, with the financing being partly realized through rentals and subsidies. The Sparkasse and the State Office for Monument Preservation play an important role here. The Kelichhaus couple even founded their own company that specializes in the preservation and renovation of monuments. Your best-known project is the Fabrikhaus in Torgelow, which was renovated at a cost of over 1.3 million euros.

Funding opportunities for monument preservation

The importance of monument preservation is also illustrated by the state funding opportunities. There are around 1 million listed properties in Germany, which are often of artistic and historical importance. Renovations of these buildings can be funded by the state, which significantly reduces the financial burden on the owners. Organizations such as the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and the German Foundation for Monument Protection offer various subsidies and tax advantages that make it possible to better cope with the high cost burden.

However, the strict requirements of the monument protection authorities represent a challenge. All planned changes must be approved in advance in order to avoid possible fines and dismantling orders. Nevertheless, listed properties are very popular with tenants and offer promising opportunities for investors and owner-occupiers.

While many old buildings in Pasewalk are believed to be in a gradual state of decay, the Kelichhausen are doing pioneering work and showing how important it is to preserve our building and living culture. Their commitment not only brings back memories of bygone times, but also new perspectives for future use. The first of their four apartments in Pasewalk is already rented, and the properties in need of renovation are not expected to be completed until 2026 at the earliest.

The example of the Kelichhaus makes it clear that the preservation and renovation of listed properties not only requires extensive planning, but can also make a real contribution to history and the cityscape. It remains to be hoped that their courageous approach finds many imitators.